WellPoint boosting investment in primary-care

SteveGelsi

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- WellPoint Inc.
wpt
said Friday it'll increase the regular fees paid to physician practices for specific services as part of an investment in primary care doctors. The changes also include payment for non-visit services currently not reimbursed, with a focus on compensation for preparing care plans for patients with multiple and complex conditions. Primary care physicians who maintain or improve quality may earn 30% to 50% more than they earn today through a shared savings model, the company said. "Over time, WellPoint estimates the program will substantially improve quality and member health, potentially reducing trend in overall medical costs by as much as 20% by 2015," the company said.

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